I must admit, as a HUGE Food Network fan, I was pretty freaking excited about this experience. An old friend even suggested I tell Chef Chris “what I great cook I am”. HA, sure that’s what I’ll say to an accomplished Chef. 😉 Though I have to say, Chef Chris sounds just like my Italian family in his interview with Santa Barbara Life & Style: I try to let the ingredients be the star on the plate. Cooking should not be ego driven about what you as a chef can make something into, it should be about highlighting and respecting the food. When you are working with great ingredients, you don’t have to do much to it, Mother Nature did all the heavy lifting. When I close my eyes, I can see all my relatives throwing their arms up in the air with enthusiastic approval! Click here to read the rest of the interview with Chef Chris.

Hailing from Chicago (oooooh, those pesky Blackhawks…Go Flyers!), Chef Chris’ favorite brining recipe is an Italian relish known as Giardiniera. In Chicago, Giardiniera tops off Italian Beef Sandwiches and can also be used as an antipasti accompanied by cured meats and cheeses. Well, I’m sold! Click below to download and save this savory recipe for your next fall get together.

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Thank you again to the Bacara Resort & Spa as well as Chef Chris for welcoming us into your kitchen, I felt like a kid in a candy store! Be sure to stop by the Bacara and grab a delicious meal by Chef Chris at The Bistro while enjoying some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Click below to read more in the October issue of Santa Barbara Life & Style.